Did you know that a tomcod is lazy? It will let itself go up and down with the tides, which can have a big impact on your catches. <strong>Which means that rising tides bring more fish.</strong> That’s why it’s a good idea to look at the tide table when you are planning your tomcod fishing activity. There are two high tides and two low tides everyday.
The Centre de pêche Marchand is a family business that has been operating for 70 years and that specializes in ice fishing. Every year, from late December to mid-February, we welcome hundreds of visitors to our 60 heated cabins, which can accommodate from 4 to 25 people. This year, visit us with family or friends to discover tomcod fishing, a major tourist attraction in Mauricie.
At Centre de pêche Marchand, you are regarded as our guests, so we want to provide fishing cabins that are clean well maintained. They are cleaned after every use. Only biodegradable products are used for cleaning. Eco-friendly oil is always used when possible for the maintenance of our saws. We promote catch and release fishing and the revaluation of surplus fish. The Sainte-Anne River is the heart of our activities and it is essential that it be protected.
The discovery of tomcod in the Sainte-Anne River was a pure coincidence. On a cold and sunny winter morning in 1938, a villager was cutting large blocks of ice for the ice box refrigerators that were used back then, when he saw some fish dancing on the sandy river bed. That’s when the great adventure began.
Several locals from la Pérade built fishing cabins to indulge in ice fishing, also called white fishing and Christmas fishing. The little fish from la Pérade made names for themselves in the area, and their reputation stretched to the big cities. As the roads were closed in winter, people came to fish in Sainte-Anne on the Canadian Pacific Railway. Upon arriving, the sight was very picturesque. Visitors were even picked up in dogsleds.
Since then, from the end of December to mid-February, Sainte-Anne-de-la-Pérade has been the world capital of the tomcod fishing. Hundreds of lit fishing cabins sit on the frozen waters of the Sainte-Anne River to form a magical village that is one-of-a-kind in the world.
This winter, treat yourself to an activity that you won’t forget. Guaranteed fun and laughter are waiting for you!
We are proud to offer a range of services to make your stay enjoyable. Equipment, fishing license, bait, firewood and parking at the door of your cabin are included in the cost of the reservation. Your pet can accompany you (on a leash). Hot water for washing hands and heated toilets are also included. The free coffee will warm you throughout the day. Nearby services include a grocery store, gas station, ATM, restaurants and accommodations.
At Centre de pêche Marchand each group has their own cabin and they are heated with a wood stove before you arrive. During the day, you can use the stove to warm up (the wood is free) and cook the tomcod you catch.
Bring your pans! The cabins are also equipped with electrical outlets. For you and your children’s safety, all our cabins are equipped with an anti-fall system on the fishing holes.
For more information, see the Activities section.
During your visit to the Centre de pêche Marchand you and your children can enjoy the many on-site activities, including inflatable games, sledding, skating (every day) and tramway rides (weekends only). A walk on the frozen river is simply magical! For more information, see the Activities section.
For more information, see the Activities section.
